Public recognition has been given to the many ecologically-aware and community-focused projects being undertaken by the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa.
The resort has been presented with the prestigious Fijian Prime Minister’s Agriculture Friendly Hotel Award for 2011 in recognition of its many sustainable commitments and community-minded projects.
According to general manager Adam Laker, the resort’s multi-faceted sustainable growth projects are all encompassing, touching every aspect of life both at the resort and beyond.
“The award is a true manifestation of the resort’s think global, act local mantra,” he says. “Sustainability is something we’re passionate about at Sofitel. All of our resort ambassadors from engineering, food and beverage, sales and marketing, through to housekeeping and our front line staff are vested in our sustainability projects on some level, so it’s an award appreciated and with relevance to every team member.”
Three primary components were important factors in the resort winning the award for 2011 – sustainable food and beverage practices, activating environmental initiatives and engineering and conservation.
Sustainable practices
The resort’s environmentally-friendly practices extend to innovative water usage and grey water recycling, promoting Earth Hour and Earth Guest Day via activities such as tree planting events in association with local primary schools.
Since the resort opened six years ago, it has also significantly increased its use of Fijian produce and now substitutes many imported items with locally sourced products, reflected on Sofitel’s restaurant and room service menus.
This has been achieved by Sofitel working closely with the local community and farmers to directly source and encourages sustainable farming practices. One such project supported by the resort is Fiji’s FRIEND initiative (Foundation for Rural Intergrated Enterprises ‘N’ Development) which assists rural villages to develop food wares and benefit from assistance in regards to production, bottling and distribution.
Another project worthy of note: Sofitel cultivates and harvests its own four-acre farm garden and nursery located behind the resort. The farm provides fresh cut flowers for guest rooms and public areas, along with produce not only for use in restaurants, but for staff to take home to their families.
For more details visit www.sofitelfiji.com.fj
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Being conscientious, not only of the environment, but also of the need to support the community through numerous projects is a commendable gesture. By helping others, the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is also helping itself.
Moreover, it is educating many people and organisations along the way.
Such effort is laudable. It is morally above reproach, creditable and deserves high praise. – Rama Gaind
